STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 27
3/26/2024
JC
Date: March 26, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Jason Caudle, City Manager
Subject: Ordinance Modification to Extend Compliance Requirements for the Conversion of Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment to Electric
Recommendation:
Adopt Ordinance No. 1114. which extends the compliance requirements for converting gas- powered lawn mowers and lawn equipment to electric to April 2027.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the approval of this ordinance amendment itself.
However, by extending the compliance deadline, the City can utilize available funding sources to convert gas-powered lawn equipment to electric. This strategic extension aims to mitigate any potential financial impact on the City and its residents by preserving eligibility for conversion assistance programs.
Background:
The City Council previously mandated the conversion of gas-powered lawn mowers and lawn equipment to electric by April of this year. This requirement was part of a broader initiative to reduce emissions and environmental impact. Subsequent analysis revealed that enforcing a conversion by law could inadvertently render certain funding sources for the conversion ineligible. Recognizing this, the proposed ordinance amendment seeks to extend the deadline for compliance to April 2027.
The ordinance, identified as Ordinance No. 1114, amends Chapter 8.70 of the Lancaster Municipal Code, specifically replacing Section 8.70.020 to prohibit the use of gasoline-powered landscape equipment by landscape maintenance businesses, effective April 1, 2027. This amendment reflects the City's continued commitment to environmental stewardship while efficiently addressing the financial and logistical aspects of transitioning to cleaner, electric- powered lawn equipment.
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The extension of the compliance deadline through the adoption of Ordinance No. 1114 is a necessary adjustment to maximize funding opportunities for converting gas-powered lawn equipment to electric. This approach maintains our environmental goals while addressing practical considerations for implementation.
At the Lancaster City Council meeting held on March 12, 2024, the City Council approved the introduction of Ordinance No. 1114, an ordinance which which extends the compliance requirements for converting gas-powered lawn mowers and lawn equipment to electric to April 2027, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Malhi.
Attachment:
Ordinance No. 1114